Prof Talwar is PGI director for next two years

Putting all speculation to rest,PGI Director Prof K K Talwar was granted a two-year extension by the Centre on Tuesday. In an official communication received by the PGI,Prof Talwar’s term has been extended from April 1,2009,to April 1,2011.

Prof Talwar has also been appointed the head of Department of Cardiology for the same period. He had resigned from the post last year while in the race for AIIMS,New Delhi,director. The move of extension continued to be surrounded by controversy as Prof Talwar,who took over as PGI director in 2004,has already completed five years in office. He was given a one-year extension last year. A section of faculty,apparently in a last bid to curtail the move of extension,had written to the Prime Minister recently citing the PGI Act which states that a director cannot be given extension if he has completed a five-year term or surpassed the age of 65 years,whichever is earlier. Born on April 30,1946,Prof Talwar will turn 63 next month but has completed five years in PGI.

The extension saw mixed reactions at the hospital. While a section hailed the decision as a positive step for the hospital and professional growth of doctors,others called it an unconstitutional step. “The rules of director’s appointment are clear cut and in this case,the rules have certainly been bypassed,” remarked a senior professor.